In the Niger Country. By Harold Bindloss. With 2 Maps.
(W. Blackwood and Sons. 12s. 6d.)—This is one of the best-written books that has been published about West Africa, and Mr. Bindloss tells several interesting stories very well. One, the holding of a factory at Akassa by three Europeans against the descent of a raiding tribe armed with cannon as well as rifles, is really dramatic ; and most people have by this time forgotten sufficiently the incidents of Waima, where a French force attacked the West India Regiment by mistake, and of Nana's stockade, to be glad to hear the tales told again very picturesquely. We would not put our hand in the fire for the accuracy of Mr. Bindloss's statements ; in many cases we could point out errors ; but upon the whole he renders vividly the impression of his visit to the Niger Delta (he was never a resident there), and he does justice to the work done by Europeans, officials, missionaries, and especially traders. The private adventurer, as he points out, is the man to whom England owes at least as much as to any other class of citizen ; and there is no place in the world where adventure has more hazards. The least danger is from the savages, who are dangerous enough. Mr. Bindloss is right in saying that Sapele, which Count de Cardi in his appendix to Miss Singaley's book recommended as a station, though beautifully situated, is no healthier than the rotting swamps. It has, indeed, the worst death- rate in the Delta. We recommend Mr. Bindloss's book especially to those thinking of a visit to West Africa ; it will be a useful deterrent ; and we recognise the justice of his panegyric upon the work done for the Empire by those who go out there in order that their families may have bread to eat.
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